Discovering the Wonders of our Solar System: A Journey with Hubble

🌕Hubble uses the Moon as a giant mirror to study Venus' atmosphere.

🌍Hubble captures dust storms and seasonal variations on Mars, providing crucial information for future rovers.

💫Asteroid 6478 Gault exhibits comet-like features, highlighting the dynamic nature of objects in the asteroid belt.

🔭Hubble's observations of Jupiter's auroras reveal their powerful source and intricate dynamics.

🌊Europa, Jupiter's moon, shows signs of a subsurface ocean, raising the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

What are some of the unique challenges Hubble faces when observing objects in our solar system?

—Hubble faces challenges such as the Moon's large apparent diameter obstructing full images and the brightness of the Sun hindering direct observations. It overcomes these challenges by utilizing creative techniques like using the Moon as a mirror and studying reflections.

What are some of the discoveries made by Hubble about our solar system?

—Hubble has made numerous discoveries, including capturing rare events like asteroid collisions, monitoring severe storms on gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn, and revealing the potential for oceans and signs of habitability on moons like Europa.

What makes the observations of Hubble different from other space missions?

—Hubble's observations stand out due to its ability to capture ultraviolet light, enabling insights into phenomena like auroras and providing unique data for studying atmospheres, seasons, and compositions of planets and moons beyond our own.

Are there more missions planned to study our solar system?

—Yes, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is set to continue the exploration of our solar system, with capabilities to capture stunning images and expand our knowledge of celestial bodies. It will complement Hubble's observations and enhance our understanding of the universe.

How long has Hubble been observing our solar system, and will it continue to do so?

—Hubble has been observing our solar system for over 30 years and continues to provide valuable data. Although its mission may extend until 2040, the James Webb Space Telescope is poised to take over as the primary instrument for studying our celestial neighbors.

00:01Introduction to Hubble's mission and its success in space.

01:04Exploration of our solar system, from the Moon to the outer reaches, highlighting Hubble's significant contributions.

12:50Focus on Europa, Jupiter's moon, and the intriguing signs of a subsurface ocean.

13:27Transition to Saturn and Hubble's role in monitoring weather patterns and storms on the gas giant.

16:24Insights into Uranus and its unique rotational axis, as well as discoveries of its storms and seasonal variations.

17:53Exploration of Neptune, including the observation of massive storms and mysteries surrounding its atmosphere.

19:47Overview of dwarf planet Gonggong and its moon, highlighting the significance of Hubble's contribution to understanding the Kuiper belt.

22:59A glimpse of the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope and its potential to further expand our knowledge of the solar system.